During February, American Heart Month, Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Manager of Cardiovascular Services Kathleen Bowers, M.Ed., BSN, RN offers the following heart healthy tips:

1. Eat fish 2-3 times per week.
2. Exercise most days (5) week for 20-30 minutes.
3. Limit intake of salt, high fat foods.
4. Park car at far end of parking lot and walk to store/work.
5. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
6. When you dine out, take half of your meal home (ask for a carry-out container at beginning of the meal).
7. Know your blood sugar.
8. Know your blood pressure.
9. Know your cholesterol.
10. Choose 1% milk instead of 2% or whole milk.
11. Broil or bake meat, chicken and fish.
12. Eat 5 servings of veggies/fruits daily.
13. Take a CPR course.
14. Know the signs of a heart attack. (Those warning signs may be different for women.)
15. Eat dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate on Valentine’s Day.
16. Eat fruits and veggies that are rich in color (red/purple/orange).
17. Learn to relax by walking, taking a Yoga class or getting a massage
18. Learn to breathe slowly.
19. Moderate your alcohol intake (can lead to High blood pressure).
20. Laugh more.

Also, the Cardiovascular Department will host four informational displays on heart health, at which community members can also get their blood pressure checked. The sessions will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Main Entrance lobby; and Thursday, Feb. 11 and Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Kittredge Surgery Center Lobby.

There are many factors that can adversely affect blood pressure levels, such as family history, obesity, lack of exercise and stress. Individuals at highest risk include African Americans, men, (especially men over age 60) and post-menopausal women taking oral contraceptives. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart failure and heart attacks, as well as stroke, kidney failure and blindness.
 
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